Rambling Sea Lion Shot Dead

Shopper the wandering California sea lion was found shot to death earlier this week in a Napa Valley vineyard.

A worker discovered the dead 286-pound mammal near a row of grapes Tuesday. Marine officials recovered the carcass and discovered a gunshot wound to the head near its left eye.

Investigators further inspected the carcass and questioned vineyard workers Wednesday for clues. Authorities have no suspects or possible motive for the killing.

Shopper, a 4- to 8-year-old male, attracted much local attention and won its nickname last month when it swam up the Petaluma River, made its way inland and flopped onto a parking lot near an outlet mall in Petaluma.

After spending a week gobbling carp and posing for shoppers, the sea lion was captured by marine rescuers and released into a nearby bay. But the animal simply found another river. It swam up the Napa River and settled under a bridge in the town of St. Helena. Local police last saw Shopper there Sunday morning, marine officials said.